“It’s sad for me to leave. They say when one door closes, another one opens.”

That door appears to be the KHL, as Markov announced he is going home to Russia, where he will likely finish his career. That’s good news for the Russian Olympic team, who will now have Markov available for selection for the men’s hockey tournament in February.

“I’d like to thank the fans for supporting me for over the last 16 years. I will never forget you.”

The veteran d-man revealed that he was willing to sign a one-year deal, which will only intensify the anger that Habs fans have with GM Marc Bergevin.

"I was ready to stay in Montreal, I was ready and willing to sign a one-year deal. It didn't work" – Andrei Markov. Boom goes the dynamite.